Risch, Menendez Introduce Legislation In Support of Canada’s Actions To Uphold The Rule Of Law In Huawei Extradition Request

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced bipartisan legislation that commends Canada for upholding the rule of law and expressing concern over actions by China in response to a request from the U.S. to Canada calling for extradition of Huawei Technologies executive, Meng Wanzhou. Original cosponsors of this legislation are Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Ted Cruz (R-TX).

“I applaud the government of Canada for their commitment to upholding the rule of law and complying with our mutual legal obligations,” said Chairman Risch. “Canada has provided consular access and due process for Ms. Meng. It is only right for the Senate to join Canada in expressing concern over arbitrary detention and mistreatment of Canadian nationals by the Chinese government. We stand by our Canadian friends and call for the immediate release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig who are wrongfully being held in China."

“I commend Canada  for its commitment to transparency and upholding the rule of law and its willingness to do the right thing in the face of significant and unjustified pressure from the Chinese.” said Ranking Member Menendez. “In contrast, China’s actions in seizing Canadian nationals in an apparent act of political retaliation, subjecting them to what appears to be arbitrary detention and mistreatment should be deeply troubling to all members of the international community. I urge China to swiftly release Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor, assuring that Robert Schulenburg’s case proceeds without political interference, and guarantying that all people they’ve unjustly detained are provided consular access and due process."

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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